Keeping in touch - December 2016

2016 has been a difficult year, from the divisive campaign on the European Union to the election of Donald Trump, made worse by the continuing tragedy in Syria. Against that background, I’ve been grateful for the support of constituents, sharing your views and concerns, and I’ll be working for us to turn a new page in 2017. I hope that you have a good break over Christmas and wish you well for the New Year, when I hope that you’ll keep in touch. In the meantime, I'd be grateful if you're able to donate to the appeal that I've set up to support local foodbanks this Christmas.

Sheffield Foodbanks Christmas Appeal

I’m raising money for the foodbanks in Sheffield this Christmas. Through the generosity of people in Sheffield I’ve already raised over £1,700, breaking my initial target in less than two weeks. I’ve set a new target of £2,500 so please donate to help ensure that every family in Sheffield has food to eat this Christmas and beyond.

Shadow Brexit Minister

On Monday I led for Labour's frontbench in a debate on Brexit, science and research (read the debate here), in my role as a Shadow Minister for Exiting the EU. Last week I joined Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer when he made a major speech outlining Labour’s approach to the issue, which you might find interesting.

My call for action on air pollution

I pressed the Government to take more action to tackle air pollution, highlighting high levels of pollution in areas of Sheffield. Read more.

Time for fair pay in care sector

Following my challenge to him in the Commons, I wrote to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to demand tougher action to stop National Minimum Wage abuses in the care sector. Read more.

Acting on your concerns – my Big Conversation update

You’ll know that I held my community consultation the Big Conversation In September and October. I’ve been acting on the issues you raised with me – this month I pressed for the rights of young carers, met with the police to discuss their strategy on tackling hate crime, and talked to the Sheffield CCG and Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust about mental health services. Read the full Big Conversation report, which covers other areas I’ve been following up on, here.

Action on the NHS

I was out campaigning in Sheffield in support of the NHS on Saturday 26th November, drawing attention to Tory cuts and pressures on services. In Parliament I’ve urged Jeremy Hunt to fill a £571 million funding shortfall for our local NHS (Read more).

Get in touch

Helping the homeless this winter

Last month I launched a new campaign, Help us Help, to support homeless people in Sheffield. As the weather gets colder it’s even more important that there is good awareness about how we can all help. Read more.

Save the date! International Women's Day 2017

Save the date for my International Women’s Day event on 8th March (6.15 for 7pm) when there will be a screening of Belle at Sheffield Students’ Union. The event, open to men and women, is organised in partnership with Sheffield Students’ Union Women’s Committee and Unite the Union. It’s free, but we’re collecting money for local charities Sheffield Rape Crisis and Ashiana.

Higher Education Bill

The Higher Education and Research Bill has now moved to the House of Lords, but I’m working with Peers on some of the issues that I pressed in the Commons. Read my summary of the areas of the Bill I’ve been challenging the Government on.

Keeping in touch

My office closes for Christmas on Friday 23rd December and reopens on Tuesday 3rd January.